National Indigenous Sports Foundation

28/05/2026

Sport has a unique ability to bring people together, create understanding and strengthen connection across communities.

The National Indigenous Sports Foundation welcomes the launch of the new Reconciliation Action Plan by SportWest, alongside the unveiling of its First Nations artwork, an important commitment to embedding reconciliation, respect and opportunity across the sporting landscape in Western Australia.

Reconciliation is not a single initiative or statement. It is an ongoing commitment to listening, learning and creating environments where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples feel safe, respected and valued in and through sport.

We acknowledge SportWest for taking this step and for recognising the role sport can play in building stronger relationships, celebrating culture and creating lasting change.

Read more about SportWest's Reconcilliation Action Plan here: https://www.sportwest.com.au/sportwest-launches-reconciliation-action-plan-and-first-nations-artwork/

And watch the story of their artwork video here: https://vimeo.com/1195889687/b82a05d450?share=copy&fl=sv&fe=ci

18/05/2026

Volunteers help create safe, welcoming and accessible sporting experiences for communities across Australia.

This National Volunteer Week, the National Indigenous Sports Foundation acknowledges the volunteers who give their time to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people through sport.

Across community programs, events and local sporting environments, volunteers help create spaces where people feel connected, supported and encouraged to participate.

They organise transport, help deliver programs, mentor young people, support events and often work quietly behind the scenes to make opportunities possible for others.

Their contribution plays an important role in improving access to sport and physical activity, particularly in regional and community-led settings.

This week, we encourage everyone to recognise the volunteers helping strengthen communities through sport and connection.

We also support the Australian Sports Commission’s 3 Cheers for Volunteers initiative, celebrating volunteers making a difference across the country.

Check out the ASC's Volunteer Map: https://volmap.ausport.gov.au/

13/05/2026

Connection to culture, community and Country can take many forms, and in WA, surfing is helping create that pathway for young Aboriginal students. 🌊

Surfing WA’s Indigenous Leadership Program is using sport to build confidence, resilience and leadership through surfing sessions, cultural workshops and mentorship alongside local Elders and surf schools.

What started at Coodanup College in Mandurah has now expanded to Pinjarra Senior High School, creating more opportunities for students to connect with culture, develop practical ocean skills and strengthen wellbeing both in and out of the water.

Local coach Ella Ginbey said the impact on students has been clear.

“There is no shortage of smiles and laughter after every session, which is without a doubt the best part of the class.”

Programs like this continue to show the important role sport can play in creating safe, welcoming and culturally connected environments for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people.

Read more here: https://www.cits.wa.gov.au/department/news/news-article/2026/05/13/indigenous-leadership-program-making-waves-in-peel

📸 www.cits.wa.gov.au

10/05/2026

The AIS Share a Yarn program continues to create culturally safe spaces for First Nations athletes to grow as leaders, mentors and role models both on and off the field.

Now in its seventh year, the 2026 program is the biggest cohort yet, supporting 29 athletes across 13 sports through mentoring, yarning circles, leadership development and cultural connection experiences.

Programs like Share a Yarn show the importance of culture, community and connection in helping athletes thrive in high-performance environments.

Read more via the AIS below.

https://www.ausport.gov.au/media-centre/news/ais-share-a-yarn-program-strengthens-first-nations-leadership-pipeline

📸 Australian Institute of Sport

08/05/2026

Across the Northern Territory, sport remains a powerful vehicle for connection, opportunity and community development.

For many regional and remote communities, including many First Nations communities, creating access to sport and recreation programs can help open pathways for young people and strengthen long-term community outcomes.

Stories like this highlight why continued investment in community-focused sport matters.

Read more below: https://createsend.com/t/t-3B08DCBCD8F324192540EF23F30FEDED

07/05/2026

Programs like the Santos Aboriginal Power Cup show the impact sport can have beyond the scoreboard.

With the program expanding into the Northern Territory for the first time, around 200 First Nations students across nine schools will take part in an initiative focused on education, culture, wellbeing and connection through AFL. Students commit to attendance and behavioural goals, while engaging in programs linked to identity, health and future pathways.

Too often, conversations around participation stop at the game itself. Initiatives like this remind us that sport can also be a platform for confidence, visibility, leadership and opportunity for young people and communities across Australia.

Read more via National Indigenous Times: https://nit.com.au/06-05-2026/24109/footy-clubs-community-arm-opens-doors-for-a-new-generation-across-the-nt

📸NIT

05/05/2026

A strong pathway into sport is now open.

The Australian Football League (AFL) has launched its First Nations Pathway for the 2027 Graduate Program, creating opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander graduates to step into careers across one of Australia’s biggest sporting organisations.

This is more than a job. It’s a supported entry into the industry, with real experience, mentorship and the chance to help shape the future of the game.

If you’re finishing your degree and looking to build a career in sport, this is worth a look.

📍 Melbourne-based
📅 Applications close 28 June 2026

🔗 Apply here: https://www.sportspeople.com.au/jobs/88021-first-nations-pathway-afl-grad-program-2027-afl

27/04/2026

Sport continues to play an important role in shaping confidence, discipline and connection for young First Nations athletes.

This story from ABC Canberra highlights how boxing is being used as more than just a sport, creating an environment where young people can build skills for life, find community, and grow in self-belief.

Programs like this show what’s possible when the right support and mentorship come together, both in and out of the ring.

🔗 Read more: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-04-26/act-first-nations-youth-development-cultural-camp-cuz-boxing/106597544

📸 ABC News

23/04/2026

A powerful example of sport driving real-world impact.

A long-running partnership between Transport for NSW and AFL NSW/ACT is using footy to build leadership skills while delivering critical road safety education for First Nations youth.

Programs like this show how sport can extend far beyond the field, creating safer communities, stronger leaders, and meaningful opportunities for young people.

A great initiative combining culture, connection and education through the power of the game.

Read more 👇
https://nit.com.au/21-04-2026/23818/indigenous-youth-program-combines-footy-leadership-and-road-safety

📸 NSW Government

22/04/2026

History made in Mackay.

Victoria has claimed its first-ever title at the National Indigenous Cricket Championships, marking a significant milestone in the competition’s history and a powerful moment for the players and community.

Beyond the result, the Championships continue to showcase the strength of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cricket, bringing together culture, connection and elite competition on a national stage.

A breakthrough performance and a reminder of the growing depth of Indigenous talent across the country.

Read more 👇
https://nit.com.au/21-04-2026/23798/victoria-maiden-title-rewrites-history-at-national-indigenous-cricket-championships

📸 Albert Perez/Cricket Australia

19/04/2026

Strong pathways, powerful stories 💚

The National Indigenous Cricket Championships ended this weekend and showcased the depth of talent across the country, along with the commitment it takes to get there.

From remote communities to national competition, players like Caitlyn Henry are travelling hours each week to chase their goals and represent their mob with pride.

The championships, held in Mackay, brought together teams from across Australia (and beyond) and continue to play a critical role in developing the next generation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cricketers.

More than just cricket, it’s connection, culture and opportunity for Indigenous and First Nations cricketers.

🔗 Read ABC's full story: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-04-17/national-indigenous-cricket-championships-mackay-caitlyn-henry/106574964

The National Indigenous Cricket Championships, held in Mackay for the second year, has become one of the key development pathways for young talent.